Simple Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe for Hearty Comfort

Crafting a hearty minestrone soup brings comfort to chilly evenings with its rich, vegetable-packed goodness.

Generations of Italian cooks have perfected this robust blend of seasonal ingredients.

Robust beans, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs dance together in a warm, inviting broth.

Each spoonful tells a story of rustic kitchens and nurturing traditions.

Nourishing and satisfying, this classic recipe connects you to simple, wholesome cooking.

Warm bowls promise to chase away hunger and wrap you in culinary warmth.

You’ll want to ladle this delicious soup and savor every incredible bite.

Fresh Takes for Minestrone Soup

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa to make the soup celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add diced chicken or cooked ground turkey for extra protein, transforming the vegetarian soup into a hearty meat-based meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter soup option.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate chopped kale, spinach, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to give the soup a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile and boost nutritional value.

FAQs

• Is minestrone soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables, beans, and whole grains, providing a nutritious meal with high fiber, vitamins, and protein.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by using plant-based ingredients.

• What type of beans work best in minestrone soup?

Kidney beans, cannellini beans, or great northern beans are perfect for adding protein and texture to the soup.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add more beans, use whole wheat pasta, or include a handful of quinoa to increase the protein and make it more substantial.

Why Minestrone Soup Warms the Heart

• Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup delivers a balanced meal that's loaded with vitamins, fiber, and protein to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
• The recipe welcomes creative twists – swap vegetables, add different herbs, or throw in leftover protein to make it uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Using affordable, accessible ingredients like canned beans, basic vegetables, and pantry staples means you can create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

What’s in the Pot? Minestrone Soup Essentials

• Onions: A flavorful base that provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Classic soup vegetables that add depth and traditional minestrone flavor.
• Zucchini: Adds a fresh, mild vegetable texture and subtle green color to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base and contribute to the soup's vibrant color and flavor.

• Beans: Add protein, texture, and hearty substance to the minestrone soup.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds savory depth to the soup.
• Pasta: Provides a satisfying and filling element to the soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a smooth, rich undertone.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

How to Bring Together a Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

• Chopped onions
• Diced carrots
• Sliced celery

Sauté these vegetables until they turn soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vibrant Vegetables

Introduce zucchini and diced tomatoes with their juicy liquid into the pot.

Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Pour vegetable broth into the pot.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance the taste.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Incorporate Hearty Ingredients

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

• Kidney beans
• White beans
• Uncooked pasta

Let the soup bubble softly for about 10 minutes until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Step 5: Final Flavor Refinement

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

If it feels flat, add a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper.

Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

Soup-Savvy Tips for Minestrone Lovers

• Roast vegetables briefly before adding to the soup for a deeper, caramelized taste that enhances overall complexity.
• Add pasta just 10 minutes before serving to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture.
• Use homemade vegetable broth for richer flavor, or choose low-sodium store-bought broth to control salt levels.
• Swap beans or add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein, making the soup more filling and nutritious.
• Prepare soup without pasta, then freeze in portions. Add fresh pasta when reheating to maintain optimal consistency.

Storing Minestrone Soup Without Fuss

• Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Move frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing. Alternatively, use the defrost setting on your microwave for quick thawing.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every 30 seconds until heated through. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick after storing.

Minestrone Soup: Pairings That Shine

• Crusty Parmesan Bread Pairing: Slice a rustic Italian bread, toast with olive oil and sprinkle fresh parmesan for a crunchy companion that soaks up the soup's rich flavors.
• Wine Complement: Choose a light-bodied Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to balance the soup's hearty vegetables and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Herbal Side Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, creating a bright, peppery counterpoint that cuts through the soup's robust texture.
• Garlic Herb Focaccia: Bake a quick focaccia bread with rosemary and sea salt, offering a fragrant and soft bread that perfectly complements the soup's Mediterranean profile.

Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty minestrone soup brings Italian countryside comfort to your kitchen, packed with seasonal vegetables and rich flavors. Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, chopped

Proteins and Liquids:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, gently sautéing chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Incorporate zucchini and diced tomatoes into the vegetable mixture, continuing to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften slightly.
3. Stream vegetable broth into the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper, then elevate heat to create a rolling boil.
4. Introduce beans and uncooked pasta to the bubbling liquid, immediately reducing heat to a gentle simmer and allowing the ingredients to cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
5. Conduct a final taste evaluation, fine-tuning seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
6. Ladle the steaming, vibrant soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion captures a harmonious blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta.

Notes

• Swap pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice noodles to make the soup celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance soup’s protein content by adding cooked chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein like tempeh for extra nutrition and heartiness.
• Maximize flavor depth by allowing soup to simmer longer, which helps ingredients meld together and develops richer taste profile.
• Extend soup’s shelf life by storing separately from pasta, adding noodles only when ready to serve to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg